Method for preparing biodegradable microcaspules and use of the resulting microcapsules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microcapsules have non-biodegradable polymer shells that pose environmental concerns due to their persistence in ecosystems, leading to harmful effects on organisms and human health, and there is a need for a biodegradable alternative that is easy to synthesize and can encapsulate a wide variety of active ingredients.
Innovation Solution
The development of microcapsules with a shell made of poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAE) synthesized through a single-step interfacial polymerization method using a Michael addition reaction, which are biodegradable and can encapsulate various active ingredients without forming harmful by-products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional polymer shells (polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas) are used for microcapsules, then the shell strength and stability are improved, but the environmental persistence and harmful effects on organisms and human health worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the shell material from conventional non-biodegradable polymers (polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas) to poly(beta-amino ester)s, which have different degradation properties. This parameter change maintains shell strength while introducing biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental persistence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses poly(beta-amino ester)s as a composite material that combines the mechanical properties needed for shell strength with biodegradable characteristics. This composite approach allows the shell to provide protection while eventually degrading into non-toxic by-products, addressing both strength requirements and environmental concerns.
2Productivity
If interfacial polymerization is used to form microcapsule shells, then the preparation speed and shell strength are improved, but the formation of harmful by-products may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymerization chemistry parameters by selecting monomers that undergo addition polymerization rather than condensation polymerization. This parameter change eliminates the formation of small molecule by-products while maintaining the efficiency of interfacial polymerization, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful by-product formation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a biodegradable polymer shell is used, then the environmental friendliness is improved, but the shell strength and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight, functional group ratios, and crosslinking density parameters of the poly(beta-amino ester) shell to achieve an balance between biodegradability and mechanical strength. By carefully controlling these parameters, the shell maintains sufficient strength for encapsulation while retaining environmental degradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite shell structure using poly(beta-amino ester)s that integrate both protective and biodegradable functions. The material composition is designed to provide adequate mechanical strength during the service life of the microcapsule while ensuring eventual degradation into non-toxic by-products, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental friendliness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The PBAE microcapsules offer a biodegradable solution that is easy to synthesize and can effectively encapsulate active ingredients, providing robust external protection while being environmentally friendly, with applications in diverse products including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural uses.
Implementation Method 1
interfacial polymerization of multifunctional compounds resulting in poly(beta-amino ester)s forming the shell of said microcapsules
Implementation Method 2
synthesized through a single-step interfacial polymerization method using a Michael addition reaction
Implementation Method 3
poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAE) synthesized through a single-step interfacial polymerization method
Data Source
AI summary
Use of biodegradable microcapsules comprising a wall made of poly(beta-amino)ester, abbreviated to PBAE, which contains an active substance. These microcapsules may be obtained by a method of interfacial polymerization between an amine monomer and a multi-acrylate monomer. Depending on the intended use, microcapsules with a wall that is weak, breakable or unbreakable and porous or non-porous are used; these properties may be obtained by the choice of the monomers and the thickness of the wall. For certain uses, it is possible to use the polymerization reaction mixture directly, without washing.